Meditation

Meditation includes both the practices aimed toward and the state of the suspension of the fluctuations of consciousness to rest in the Self--the state of bliss one experiences when you feel true oneness with the Self, the Self being pure existence across time and space. Meditation comes in many forms and can be passive or active. Types of meditation include silent meditation, guided meditation, and walking meditation. Meditation can also involve the use of mantra and affirmations.

An example of a meditation involving repeated affirmations is the Loving Kindness Meditation (sourced from the book, A Path with Heart, by Jack Kornfield):

May I be filled with Loving Kindness
May I be well
May I be peaceful and at ease
May I be happy [or replace with chosen word]

The Loving Kindness Meditation is a powerful practice for bringing loving kindness to oneself and others. You may start by finding a comfortable seat in a distraction-free environment and repeating the affirmation as many times as you like (either aloud, in a whisper, or silently in your mind). As you begin to develop confidence in bringing loving kindness to yourself, you may begin to replace ‘I’ with the names of your loved ones. As you progress, you may move to practicing loving kindness for the more difficult people in your life and beyond, ultimately moving toward embracing universal love and acceptance and the sacredness of all existence.

To learn more about meditation, click here.